Podolski out to rock Arsenal alongside Ozil

London

Injured Arsenal star Lukas Podolski has said he is relishing the chance to “rock” the Gunners alongside his Germany team-mate Mesut Ozil after the latter signed a five-year deal.

Podolski is expected to miss the rest of 2013 after tearing his left hamstring in the Gunner’s 2-0 win over Fenerbahce in last week’s Champions League play-off but is relishing the chance to play for Arsenal alongside ex-Real Madrid star Ozil in the new year.

“Mesut and I are going to rock Arsenal,” Podolski told German daily Bild. “It’s great that he’s coming, he’s a good friend and a brilliant footballer.”

The 24-year-old Ozil joined Arsenal for 50 million euros ($65.94 million) on Monday and left winger Podolski said he is relishing the prospect of linking up with Germany’s midfield play-maker.

“He’s a great fit for us. We’re already playing great football, the only thing that was missing was the final punch, that element of surprise,” said Podolski.

Perfect partnership

“That’s exactly what Mesut will give us.”

Podolski has said he is sad that he will not be able to play alongside Ozil and their Germany team-mate Per Mertesacker for the Gunners until the new year.

“It’s extremely sad, I would have liked to have played with Mesut straight away, not watched him from the stands,” added Podolski. “But I can’t change that, can’t sew the muscle back together again.” Ozil, Arsenal’s record signing, yesterday expressed confidence that he can hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium and help the club end their eight-year trophy drought.

Ozil signed from Real Madrid on Monday after being told he could no longer be certain of a first-team place at the Bernabeu following the arrivals of Isco and Gareth Bale.

The German midfielder’s international manager, Joachim Low, has expressed surprise at the move but Ozil says he is motivated by the challenge of helping Arsenal win a first title since the 2005 FA Cup.

“I want to improve myself further and I am looking forward to the style of play,” Ozil told the Arsenal website.

“Arsenal are well known for the strength of their technical game and their desire to play attacking football. I think I will fit perfectly into that. That is why I chose to sign for the club.

“In the last few years, Arsenal haven’t been so successful, but we want to become more successful. We want to win trophies. I think the fans are looking forward to that too. (AFP)